Canada says it will contribute 23.6 million barrels of oil to a coordinated emergency release organised by the International Energy Agency, after disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the Israeli-US war on Iran.
Al Jazeera says the move forms part of a joint action by the IEA’s 32 member countries, marking the largest strategic oil release in the agency’s history.
Canadian officials say the country, the world’s fourth-largest oil producer, will supply the barrels through the domestic industry in coordination with federal and provincial authorities.
They added that natural gas exports are also expected to increase in the coming months to help stabilise supplies.
Other developments:
- The US is reportedly deploying elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit and an amphibious assault ship. However, it does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place at all (AP)
- Iran and Hezbollah have carried out a joint attack on Israel, and Israel has carried out waves of strikes (BBC News)
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei “is wounded and likely disfigured”. Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over leadership (AP)
- Over 100 children are said to be among the 773 people killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon after 10 days of fighting the Hezbollah militant group. Israel said Friday its strikes are “continuing and intensifying” in Lebanon and Iran (AP)
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has said that the country’s armed forces have intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards the al-Kharj governorate. The missile was the latest in a series of projectiles launched from Iran that the country has fended off in recent hours (Al Jazeera)
- Qatar, Oman leaders have stressed the ‘importance of de-escalation’ as they called for “prioritising dialogue and diplomatic means to enhance security and stability in the region” (Al Jazeera)
- Palestinians in Gaza fear being forgotten as attention shifts to Iran. An Israeli strike on Friday killed three people east of Gaza City, including two teens. Israel’s military said it was unaware of any strikes in the area (AP)
